Highlanders lose another player north

Highlanders loose forward Gareth Evans has signed with the Hurricanes for the next two years.

The 25-year-old will join the defending Super Rugby champions after spending the past four seasons in Dunedin.

Evans said he was excited about the opportunity to play all of his rugby in his home region.

We are proud to announce @hbmagpies loose forward Gareth Evans has joined the Canes Family https://t.co/WIDuwKcnwt ? pic.twitter.com/mHsqAg3YKl

— Hurricanes Rugby (@Hurricanesrugby) July 28, 2017

“I was schooled in the Hurricanes region, my brother played for the club, and my family are nearby in the Hawke’s Bay, so there is a natural connection there.

“I’ve heard great things about the environment at the Hurricanes and the club’s results over the past few seasons speak for themselves. I’m already looking forward to getting stuck in to the preseason for the 2018 season.”

Evans shifted south to attend Otago University in Dunedin in 2010 where he quickly earned selection for the Otago provincial side. On the back of consistent form earned his first Super Rugby contract, with the Highlanders in 2014.

Over the past four years he’s clocked up 43 Super Rugby matches and helped the Highlanders to their first title in 2015.

Evans’ older brother Bryn played 25 matches for the Hurricanes between 2009 and 2011, and was capped twice for the All Blacks as a lock against France in 2009.